BELLINGER 225 gross tons, 134 net. Lbd: 125' x 22'1" x 8'7". Iron steamship, compounded engine producing 45 horsepower, 2 masts schooner rigged and rated at 9.5 knots. Built by J McArthur & Co., Paisley, Glasgow for G W Nicoll, Sydney. Passenger - cargo vessel on the New South Wales Northern river service. Sold December 1884 to the Belfast & Koroit S N Co., Port Fairy Victoria for their Western ports to Melbourne service. 1887 returned to Nicoll's ownership, this time to B B Nicoll. 1890 sold to Captain E T Miles, Hobart. September 1894 sold to T A Reynolds of Hobart. 1896 taken over by Union Steamship Co New Zealand with the rest of T.A. Reynolds, Hobart fleet, 1897 sold to Northern Steamship Co., Auckland, and renamed Muritai. Wrecked upon the New Zealand coast on May 27th 1908. NOTE: Not the Bellinger of North Coast S N Co built 1901CASINO 425 tons, 274 net. Lbd: 160'4" x 24'1" x 10'2". Iron steamship, passenger-cargo built by Gourlay Bros & Co., Dundee, Scotland. for B B Nicoll, Sydney. The ship left Dundee on 18th March 1882 and sailed to Sydney via the Cape of Good Hope. En route the ship stopped in Warrnambool to pick up coal. There, it was inspected by the Belfast and Koroit Steam Navigation Company, who decided to purchase the SS Casino. The steamship sailed onto Sydney to deliver its cargo and then returned to Melbourne to begin the west coast run. Casino was three masted iron screw steamer. One deck, iron framework, a schooner rig and an inverted compound two cylinder 65 horsepower engine built by Gourlay Brothers. In the early days, she was sometimes rigged as a topsail schooner as the ship’s big spread of canvas helped reduce fuel consumption. 10th July, 1932 off Apollo Bay Victoria in heavy weather, keeled over and sank after striking seabed earlier when attempting to enter port. From a crew of sixteen plus two passengers, only eight survived

DAWN 522 gross tons, 328 net. Lbd: 164'6" x 24' x 18'4". Iron steamship built by W T Pile & Co., Sunderland England for the Portland & Belfast S N Co., Portland Victoria. Passenger - cargo vessel, compounded engine producing 75 nhp. October 1885 owned by the Belfast & Koroit S N Co., Port Fairy Victoria for their Western ports trade. March 1896 owned by W Howard Smith & Sons Ltd., Melbourne. Sunk in a collision with the Macedon (also of the Howard Smith fleet) on March 25th 1879 on the Yarra River Melbourne. The hole was 'patched' and she was refloated. repaired and resumed normal duties. Serviced many ports around Australia as the South Australian coast, and the Esperance to Albany mail run and took in Queensland trade routes. Was chartered by the Australasian S N Co from October 1906 on the Queensland coastal run. May 1908 sold to E F Allen of Samoa and of Samoa Shipping Trading Co Ltd 1911. Scuttled 3rd March 1928 off FijiCORAMBA 531 gross tons, 221 net. Lbd: 160'3" x 30' x 10'. Steel twin screw steamship of 73 horsepower and built at Ayr, Scotland, for North Coast S N Co., Sydney. Sold during 1932 to Belfast & Koroit S.N. Co. Disappeared without trace in a gale having left Warrnambool for Melbourne on 29 Nov 1934 with a crew of sixteen. Believed to have foundered off Phillip Island, VictoriaWANNON 567 gross tons. Lbd: 167'4" x 26'6" x 11'. Steel hulled, single screw steam coaster, coal burner (burnt briquettes when on Melbourne-Tassie run); 3cyl triple expansion steam engine, 61 nhp; built 1919 at Enkhuisen, Holland, as Boschpolder; 1920 as British flag Rawlinson; 1922 to Canterbury Steamship Co. Ltd. Lyttleton, N.Z, as Gale; 1935 to Belfast & Koroit Steam navigation Co. Ltd., Melbourne, renamed Wannon. During World War 2 as (S-153) carried general equipment, stores to U.S. Army camps at islands such as Woodlark, Kiriwina, Goodenough. Also served at Lae, Finschhafen and Wewak. Returned to owners and in 1957 went to Hong Kong shipbreakers

BRIGHT Brothers of Melbourne&GIBBS BRIGHT & CoNote: Where Bright Bros were also involved in a joint ownership of the Eastern & Australasian Line - displayed fully on a separate webpage in this site - this segment recognises their vessels registered in Australia under this name

HERO 985 gross tons, 851 net. Lbd:224'3" x 29'2" x 15'7". Iron steamship of 2 cylinders producing 150 horsepower. Built by C & W Earle, Hull England for unknown owners in 1861 as a passenger vessel. Sold 1862 to J Baines & Co. Blackball line, Liverpool. November 1863 sold to T J Sumner, J Benn & R Bright and registered at Melbourne. 1865 chartered by the Queensland Government for a mail run from Brisbane to Batavia, linking with the English mail steamers at that port. 1866 she ran the newcastle - melbourne coal trade. 1873 she was used on the Auckland - Sydney - Melbourne passenger service, extending that itinery to Fiji by 1878. 1880 sold to Union Steamship Co of New Zealand. June 1886 sold to Mitchell, Tyler, O'Connor & Irwin, of Sydney. March 1891 sold to Noumea interests ( O L Montifiore ) and hulked. 1901 the hulk was driven ashore, permanently on Kaouauva, New CaledoniaGREAT BRITAIN 3,270 gross tons, 2,982 net. Lbd: 322' x 51' x 32'. Iron screw steamer, Built 1843 by Patterson, Bristol for the Great Western Steamship Company on a design by the renown engineer I K Brunel and initially designed as a screw steamer. When completed she was ‘ the most beautiful ship afloat’. Operated initially on the Atlantic run, the first iron vessel to do so. In September 1846, ran ashore in Dundrum Bay, Ireland and lay there all winter until towed off. Sold to Gibbs, Bright & Co (Liverpool and Australian Line) also known as Bright Bros. & Co., Melbourne. After a rig change to be of 2 funnels and four masts in 1852, ran in the Melbourne - London trade for twenty- one years. 1853 at Liverpool she underwent further modifications to be of one funnel and three masts. Sold circa 1881. In 1882 she was converted to a sailing ship 1886 after sustaining serious damage, she was hulked, towed to Sparrow Cove at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, 1927. Since - The hulk of the Great Britain was towed to England from the Falkland Islands for restoration in Bristol, where she may be seenLADY DARLING 649 gross tons, 528 net. Lbd: 189'4" x 27'8" x 16'5". Iron steamship built by W H Potter & Co., Liverpool. Three-masted and of 2 cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower. Owned by T & H Bright, registered at Liverpool. February 1866 owned by C E Bright registered Melbourne (read: Bright Bros & Co., Melbourne) who announced her as a passenger vessel on the Melbourne - Sydney - Newcastle route. Transferred back to Liverpool in 1869 where she underwent lengthening in 1870 revealing tonnage as 895 gross and 722 net. Her dimensions read: 239'6" x 28'1" x 16'4". Returned to Australian shores 1874, purchased by this concern that year and January 1875 officially owned by James Paterson & E Newbiggin (James Paterson & Co). Since her refitting it seems she became a cargo vessel, collier only, carrying coal from Newcastle to Melbourne. November 11 1880 wrecked of Cape Dromedary, New South WalesROYAL CHARTER 2,719 gross tons. Lbd: 235' x 41'5" x 22'5". Iron auxiliary steamship, built on the River Dee, south of Liverpool 1854. Owned by Gibbs Bright & Company. After a disasterous start to her career with several mishaps, reached Melbourne in the excellent time of just under sixty days. Her speed and splendid accommodation attracted great interest and she soon became one of the most popular ships to visit Australia. On 26 August 1859 under Captain Taylor, she left Melbourne for Liverpool with 500 passengers and crew, 68,397 ounces of gold and £48,000 in sovereigns. After a record run of fifty-five days she reached Queenstown, Ireland where thirteen passengers disembarked and eleven riggers from another ship joined her. Passengers requested she call at Holyhead to allow them to see the giant Great Eastern, at that time the largest ship in the world, and this delay was to prove fatal. As she left Holyhead rough weather was working up and when off Point Lynas (north Anglesey, Wales), hurricane force winds and giant seas forced her towards the rocky coast as she searched in vain for a pilot. For a while she used the engines to help her anchors hold her while the masts were cut away, but the cables parted, the rigging from her fallen masts tangled around her propeller shaft, and just before dawn on 25 October she went ashore in Moelfre Bay on the east coast of Anglesey, Wales. Only 27 men managed to reach shore before huge waves dumped the ship across rocks, breaking her in two and drowning 459 persons, including her master. A four sided memorial stone pedestal stands in the tiny church of Lianallgo in Angelsey, north-west Wales. Two months after the tragedy Charles Dickens visited Moelfre and adapted a story of the wreck for a tale in the Uncommercial Traveller. As John Lewis of Bristol who was the purser on the Royal Charter was lost with all his records, the exact number of persons on board was never known. Divers were sent down to recover bodies and the gold, in bags and iron chests, estimated to be about half a million sterling. Much was recovered. Some specie still remains on the treacherous wrecksiteGAZELLE 79 gross tons, 47 net. Lbd: 82' x 15'2" x 7'8". Iron steamship built by John Horn, Waterford England in 1852 and rebuilt by Anderson & Grubbs at Lytellton new Zealand during 1867. From the onset she was owned by A G Robinson of Melbourne although registered in London. In 1854 she was employed as a ferry so to speak operating between Williamstown and Melbourne, no great distance in any locals' eyes. (Especially mine). Also owned during that year of 1854 since A G Robinson by F E Liardet under whom the ferry service most likely took effect. A street in Melbourne carries the Liardet surname. 1856 saw ownership of M L Goodwin, registered Launceston Tasmania. He employed her on the passenger trade between Launceston and Georgetown until 1860 when sold to Lilly and Robinson, both of the Western districts of Victoria. Likely serviced the coastal ports south- west of Victoria to Melbourne, as was their domain until September 1861 when sold to J T Cockshott, Melbourne. From February 1862 until April 1879 she worked the New Zealand coastal trade under unknown New Zealand ownership. During that time she was rebuilt as per above. April 1879 owned by R Bright, of Melbourne and so registered there. One month later owned by W J Wischer and in March 1884 owned by H F Walker. Spending her last ten years plying the coast of Victoria under the ownership of the last three mentioned, she eventually sank at Apollo Bay Victoria on 25th February 1888

George Ward COLEMerchant and Shipowner, MelbourneColes wharf, on the Yarra River and adjacent to Queens St Bridge was a landmark of the era carrying his name>

MAITLAND1837-55>

CITY OF MELBOURNE1851-73>

GEELONG1854-79>

ZINGARI1852-60+>

PRINCE ALBERT1852-63+>

No images available>

MAITLAND 140 gross tons, 103 net. Lbd: 103'2" x 15'6" x 8'3". Wooden paddle steamship of passenger capacity as built by John Russell at Darling Harbour, Sydney for Edye Manning of Sydney in 1837. Of 40 horsepower but later replaced with 60 horsepower machinery in 1841. Became the Illawarra Steam Packet Company's first vessel in 1839. Of the General S N Co late 1839 upon the merger of Illawarra S P Co and the Brisbane Water S N Co. December 1845 owned by A C James & Others. November 1847 of the Hunter River S N Co. December 1850 owned by G W Cole & Partners (Messers Bruce & Norton) and was employed as a tug, tender and ferry on the Yarra River. Also serviced Geelong 1850-51 until 1852. Burnt out upon the Yarra river, Melbourne November 27th 1855. Raised, rebuilt and renamed Samson. Became a total loss at Hokitika, New Zealand September 29th, 1865CITY OF MELBOURNE 168 gross tons, 138 net. Lbd: 118'4" x 18'5" x 8'5". Wooden auxilliary steamer with oscillating engine of 25 horsepower and rigged as a 3 masted schooner. Built by J Kruse, Melbourne for George Ward COLE and registered in that great city. April 1863 sold to Australasian S N Co., after being salvaged from a deliberate 'run-ashore' at King Island in Bass Strait whilst in a storm during her normal run between the Melbourne and Tasmania. She was extremely popular in her day as a Bass Strait steamer, being nicknamed affectionally the 'Screw". Her fame is as the first auxilliary screw steamship built in Australia. ASN Co sold her late 1855 having placed her on the Moreton Bay run without favour from the locals and since on the Sydney - Morpeth trade where she found ground at Oyster bank, Newcastle New South Wales. August 19th 1855 she came aflame at Sydney whilst undergoing repairs and near gutted. Repaired, sold whereupon her engine was removed and she was converted as a 3 masted barque. Her engine went into the paddle steamer Eagle, also of the fleet. Wrecked near Burrum River, Queensland in a violent storm on December 28th 1873GEELONG 172 gross tons, 108 net. Lb: 129'5" x 17'5". Iron paddle steamer built 1854 by T Wingate & Company Glasgow. Propulsion: C2cy diagonal 90nhp. Owner History: Thomas Thorpe, W Locke & W McMullen, Melbourne. 1856 T Norton. December 1856 owned or more likely managed by G W Coleas records state as owned by by Australasian S N Co., Australia between 1856 and 1859. Sold 1859 to E B Cargill, Dunedin New Zealand. 1859 John Jones & others (Southern Steam Nav Co). 1874 Donald Sinclair. 1877 G W Binney, Auckland. Wrecked 10th March 1879 on the inner bank of the south west entrance to Whangape Harbour New Zealand (2 lost). (Sources Clydebuilt and N L McKellar in his book 'Derby round to Burketown'). Not to be confused with Howard Smith's steamer of the same name, same eraZINGARI 246 gross tons, 167 net. Lbd: 130'6" x 21' x 13'. Wooden steamship of 60 horsepower and built at Radcliffe Cross Dock, Middlesex England for M Bury & Partners., London. Brought out to Melbourne Australia October 1867 via New Zealand where she had worked their coastal services since 1854. Sold October 1858 to G W Cole who placed her unsuccessfully on the Melbourne - Sydney passenger trade. Passengers shunned wooden vessels at that time and so she was sent to Hong Kong for sale. Arrived February 15th 1860 and no details known since PRINCE ALBERT 270 gross tons, 125 net. Lb: 132'9" x 18'9". Iron paddle steamer built by Smith & Rodger Govan, Galsgow for Lewis Potter, Glasgow. 1853 James Rae, Melbourne. 1853 R & S Raleigh, Melbourne. 1856 T Norton.
1860 G W Cole, Melbourne. 1860 F Greer, Dunedin New Zealand. 1863 John Lamont, Hong Kong. 1863 unknown owners, records end, No further details

W CROSBY & Co Pty Ltd, Melbourneincluding C Crosby

Began 1853 as W Crosby & Co, Hobart Tasmania. as Merchant & Agent for many established Shipping Companies British and European. Also held partial ownership of sail only vessels as Countess of Seafield, Seashell and Aladdin. Further sail only shared ownership interests were with the Fenwicks of London. 1858 William Crosby Jnr opened the branch at Melbourne. Held Agency connections with Ellerman & Bucknall Lines, London as Australian representatives. 1900 saw agency of Phosphates from Ocean Island to Australia and, their first steamship purchase 1909 in maintaining this service. 1914 branch opened at Fremantle. 1926 Melbourne branch became a Propriety as William Crosby & Co Pty Ltd. Although operating quite separate in Identity since 1885, the Hobart and Melbourne branches reunited in 1934, giving Melbourne Head Office status. In maintaining the Tasmanian connection a branch opened 1940 at Launceston and later again another at Burnie. Coombar was last vessel owned and used not for Phosphate carriage but for sweeter cargo as Molasses. Since (post War) closed down operations with demise of Ellerman Lines agency. Evolved in floating shares as a Holding Company. As known have name changed with the 'Crosby' factor very predominant within a Business model in a diversity of product line items and Engineering. as known - OCE-Crosby from 1973 and OCE-Australia from 1979

WONGANELLA1904-28+>

BARRIER1889-1934>

OOMA1905-26>

MOONTA1892-1931>

COOLGARDIE1881-1922>

Wonganella, Ooma, Moonta & Coolgardie photographic images taken by A C Green at MelbourneBarrier watercolour also by A C Green
All images as 6 x 4 inch Modern postcards and as larger prints available for sale. Enquire admin@greatsoutherncards.com.au

WONGANELLA 3,998 gross tons. Lbd: 360' x 49' x 18'. (109.7 x 14.8 metres) Steel single screw cargo vessel built for and owned by Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd, London at Deptford Yard, Sunderland. Triple expansion engine making 10 knots. Fully completed October 1904 and from December 1904 chartered by W Scott Fell & Co and was probably purpose built with ship's name and charter arrangements between Fell and Laing whilst on the stocks. 1910 under ownership of William Crosby and Co., Melbourne. Ship name changed to Wonganella. Visited Auckland New Zealand as Wonganella once on 19 February 1928. At this time she was registered at Cape Town South Africa. 1930 sold to G E Sandstrom and renamed Magda. Wrecked on the Stragglers, Smyth Channel 31st March 1933BARRIER 2,036 gross tons, 1,290 net. Lbd: 282' x 38' x 18'4". Built by S P Austin Sunderland for the Adelaide Steamship Co. Worked as a cargo vessel primarlly out of Port Pirie. 1914-15 Sold to C Crosby, Melbourne, broken transaction saw her resold almost immediately (2 months) to Japanese interests & renamed Mogami Maru. Mid April 1934 destroyed by fire whilst transporting a cargo of kerosineOOMA 3,956 gross tons. Lb: 109.1 x 15 metres. Steel hulled, single screw cargo vessel built as the Claverhill for Claverhill SS Co Ltd, London by Craig, Taylor & Co,Stockton. Triple expansion engine making 12 knots. 1909 owned by Ellerman Lines. Liverpool and renamed Croxteth Hall. 1914 under ownership of William Crosby and Co., Melbourne. Ship name changed to Ooma. 8th February 1926 wrecked off Sydney Point, Ocean Island when bound from Sydney to Nauru with cargo of coal & general goodsCOOLGARDIE 2,542 gross tons, 1,653 net. Lbd: 329'1" x 38'3" x 26'. Iron steamship built as a passenger-cargo vessel by R Dixon & Co., Middlesborough England as the Bothwell Castle for the Castle Steam Ship Co. (T Skinner, London). Compounded engine producing 304 horsepower. Acquired by McIlwraith McEacharn, Melbourne 1896 yet renamed much later, in May 1899. Serviced the West Australian run from the eastern seaboard ports of Australia. 1913 December sold to C Crosby & Partners (W Crosby & Co Melbourne). 1916 W J Wardle. 1920 Eastern Shipping Agents Ltd. September 1922 to Italian interests for demolition at GenoaMOONTA 2,266 gross tons. Lbd: 280' x 38'1" x 16'2". Steel steamship built by W Dobson and Co., Tyne Newcastle England
as La Serena. Chartered by Adelaide Steamship Co., from July 1896 under La Serena until stranded and abandoned to underwriters April 10th 1899. Purchased as a wreck by Adelaide Steamship Co., 1899 and registered as Moonta 1900. Sold 1913 to William Crosby & Co, Melbourne. January 1915 sold to Japanese interests and renamed Tokei Maru. Scrapped Japan 1931

GEELONG Steam Navigation CoShipping concern that operated out of Victoria's second major port to Melbourne and along the western districts. Formed (officially) at Geelong on the 5th March 1852, this concern appointing Duncan Hoyle as Chairman. Another record states this concern as operating from as early as 1840. the steamship 'Aphrasia' certainly indicates this>

BLACKBIRD 665 gross tons, 531 net. Lbd: 196'4" x 28'4" x 16'7". Iron steamship built by C Mitchell and Co., at Low-Walker Newcastle on Tyne in 1863 as an three-masted iron screw barque for Grice Sumner & Co., Melbourne. Was placed briefly on the Adelaide-Melbourne run in replacing the damaged Penola, also owned by Grice Sumner and Co., during repairs. Since, she worked the Melbourne - Queensland mail run under contract up until 1873, and undercutting the 'established' shipping firms with low fares for passengers along the way. 1876 she was purchased by (Captain) A. Campbell & Partners, registered Sydney. This partnership seems to float in and out of percentage ownership, where all commenced with 25% equal shareholding until, 1872 when a J Johnson held 1/8th percentage of at least this vessel. By 1875 the Cowlinshaw brothers seemed to have manging rights, by advertising her for passengers to Townsville and Cooktown from Sydney. In rough weather, and under command of Captain McConach, she was wrecked a short distance west from the Kate Kearney Channel, Gippsland coast, 2 June 1878. No loss of lifePENOLA 349 tons. Lbd: 170'5" x 22'5" x 12'6". Iron steamer clipper bow built by Laurence Hill & Co., Glasgow 1863 as the Penola for Grice Sumner and Co. of Melbourne. Designed for the passenger trade between Melbourne and Adelaide. Same year lengthened Lbd: 194'6" x 22'5" x 12'6". July 1865 G Ormerod, Robe Western Australia. Sank the steamship City of Launceston in a collision Port Phillip Bay November 19th 1865. Sold March 1874 to J J Grice & Partners. July 1887 sold to Mount Gambier Steamship Co Ltd. March 1881 Piggot & Partners. October 1882 W Whinham, Port Adelaide. August 1883 Adelaide Steamship Co who retained the name Penola until rebuilt and given a straight stem, Lbd: 192'1" x 22'5" x 12'6" in 1885 and renamed PERTH. She was wrecked ashore near Point Cloates, Western Australia, 13th September 1887. The boiler burst soon after she struck injuring several firemen, but all passengers and crew landed safelyNORTH LYALL 2,027 gross tons, 1,274 net. Lbd: 300' x 40.6' x 20.1'; 2 x 4 cylinder steam engines, 210 nhp; Steel hull, twin screw, cargo steamship built by W G Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., at Newcastle-on-Tyne for North Mt. Lyall Copper Co Ltd., Melbourne as the North Lyall. Built for ther passenger-cargo trade between Strahan, Tasmania and Melbourne. By the time she was built this company had no need for her. Sold 1899 to Union Steam Ship Co of New Zealand and renamed Moura. 1915 sold to Douglas Steamship Co., Hong Kong, and renamed Hai Hong Philippine based Ferrandez Hermanos Inc., acquired her and she became the Mactan. Taken over by USA small fleet command during 2nd world war and she became, for a while a hospital ship bringing wounded from the Philippines to Brisbane in January 1942. Converted to an Army Officers Recreation Vessel in Sydney, she sailed from Walsh Bay 8th August 1943. Stationed at Waga Waga in Milne Bay August 1943. Chief cook was the ex-chef from the Hotel Carlton in Sydney. She carried two professional barbers (who played cribbage morning, noon and night!) and had an icecream machine, a rare thing in New Guinea. Ownership since hostilities ended is unknown however, she was scrapped under the name Mactan at Hong Kong in 1956

S G HENTY & Co., Portland also S & E HENTYSmall operator who held preference to the western coastal district of Victoria in various shipping venturescirca 1850>

GIPSY1842-56>

LADYBIRD1851-80's>

CHAMPION1854-57>

QUEEN1852-67>

GIPSY image personal collection>

GIPSY 75 gross tons, 43 burthen. Lbd: 80'4" x 15'7" x 8'4". Wooden paddle steamship built by Chowne, Thompson & Chowne at Pyrmont, Sydney for the Tamar S N Co., Launceston. Held a 35 horsepower engine taken from the paddle steamer Maitland and installed by William Bourne, Sydney. Designed as a passenger tender and tug for use upon the Tamar River, Tasmania, even carrying passengers from Sydney to Launceston on her maiden voyage. 1847 owned by F A Ducroz, unknown registration. March 1852 owned by Gilmore & Henty, Melbourne. 1853 owned by the Victoria S N Co, Melbourne as owned by Broadfoot, Bonnar & Co. Used upon Hobsons Bay to Queens Wharf, Melbourne as a passenger/cargo tender until sold in September 1855 to J C Williamson, Sydney. Here then she was used as a passenger/cargo vessel servicing the Sydney - Manning River trade. 24th April 1856 wrecked on the Manning River bar. Note: sometimes known as 'Gipsey' and "Gipsay"LADYBIRD 248 gross tons, 176 net. Lbd: 153'7" x 21'3" x 10'8". Iron steamship of 2 cylinder engines producing 90 horsepower as built by W Denny & Bros, Dumbarton for H P Maples & Co., London. Arrived in the colonies of Australia during 1853 and J Cowie & Partners (Geelong S N Co., Geelong) quickly purchased her for their Geelong - Launceston run. Passengers for Launceston from Melbourne were transported to Geelong via the Duncan Hoyle and the Keera. Sold May 1855 to J Crookes & others, who traded as the Launceston S N Co., Launceston Tasmania. May 1856 sold to Green & Cleveland. November 1856 owned by S G Henty registered at Melbourne. About this time her superstructure was added to, changing her tonnage to be 431 gross and 287 net. S G Henty had intended her for the Melbourne - Port Adelaide passenger trade stopping at various minor ports along the western coast of Victoria. 24th August 1857 she rammed and sank the steamer Champion off Cape Otway. Made one run to Albany Western Australia on a mail run, but found too small. Sold to to New Zealand interests October 1864. During the 1880's she was hulked and her hull was sunk by gunfire from H M S Challenger in Cook Strait New Zealand 1905CHAMPION 249 gross tons, 176 net. Lbd: 129'4" x 21'2" x 11'2". Iron steamship 3 masted schooner rigged as built by T D Marshall, South Shields for S G Henty, registered Portland Victoria. Passenger cargo vessel on the Portland - Melbourne service. Sank approx midnight on the 24th August 1857 when in a collision with her fleet running mate, the Ladybird. Rumours of 'match races' although much denied by the Captains, abounded at the time, with a Court of Inquiry finding recklessness on behalf of both Captains being the cause of the tragedy which cost the lives of thirty-two soulsQUEEN 201 gross tons, 137 net. Lbd: Built by Thomas Wingate & Co., at Whiteinch Lanarkshire in 1852 for the Orme Bros of Glasgow. Purchased December 1856. July 1858 sold to J MacAndrew and November 1859 to the Henty Brothers of Western Victoria, who increased her gross tonnage to 230 with dimensions of 144'5" x 19'3" x 11' in 1860. Sold 1864 to New Zealand S N Co and under Captain Kreeft, struck Cook's Rock in Cook Strait New Zealand on 5th April 1867 and sank

BARWON1863-71>

WESTERN1861-1910>

EDINA1854-1938>

EDINA image personal collection>

BARWON 401 gross tons, 311 net. Lbd: 175' x 22'7" x 13'5". Iron steamship built at Greenock, Glasgow for R Little & Co., Glasgow, Of 90 horsepower. 1865 of Robert Neill, Geelong Victoria (possibly an agent for R Little) and in November that year ran Melbourne - Sydney to Hokitika, New Zealand as likely carrying passengers for the goldfields. 1866 was chartered to convey coal from Newcastle to Melbourne as well as passengers from Sydney to Melbourne. Stranded at Queenscliff Victoria on the 24th June 1866 and abandoned to underwriters. Purchased by S G Henty, of western Victoria who refloated her in a successful salvage whereupon she steamed without assistance to Melbourne for necessary repairs. Re-registered at Melbourne 1867 with dimensions being 419 gross tons, 366 net and Lbd: 172'3" x 21'6" x 14'. March 1868 sold to the Bulli Coal Mining Co., Sydney for use as a collier. April 3rd 1871 wrecked on a rock, 4 miles off Cape Bridgewater, VictoriaWESTERN 363 gross tons. Lbd: 183'4" x 23' x 12'6". Iron steamship built by C Mitchell & Co, Low Walker. Held inverted engine = 100hp. Passenger vessel designed for S G Henty & Co, Melbourne in their trade between Melbourne and the Western districts of Victoria. Sold February 1874 to C J Stevens, Sydney and placed upon the Queensland coastal run in opposition to the ASN fleet. July 1874 owned by D S Mitchell. Tonnage altered to 424 gross & 266 net. August 1877 owned by A McLean & Partners with tonnage decreased to 404 gross & 246 net. Most likely her passenger accomodation was removed as she was converted to a collier. July 1900 owned by S E Laidley. Hulked and registered closed 1910EDINA 323 gross tons, 239 net. Lbd: 171' x 23'6" x 12'7". Iron steamship, built by Barclay, Curle & Co, Glasgow, for the Leith, Hull & Hamburg Steam Packet Co, Leith. Held 2 cylinder engine = 60hp. 1880 tonnage increased to 380 gross, 223 net. 1882 new engine and boiler, engine being compounded = 85hp. Registered Melbourne March 1863 for S G Henty. October 1863 owned by S & E Henty. March 1868 owned by Warrnambool Steam Packet Co, registered at Warrnambool. She ran the Victorian coastal ports of Warrnambool and Portland to Melbourne. Became better known in the bay trade when, in June 1875 purchased by W H Smith & Partners under the banner of the Melbourne Steam Ship Co, registered Melbourne. Of W Howard Smith & Sons Ltd as at October 1883. Of Howard Smith Ltd July 1901. Of Australia Steamships Ltd December 1913. Since 1875 serviced the Melbourne - Geelong passenger trade up to 1937, gaining enormous popularity owing to her longevity. In 1899, she rammed and sank her rival, the Excelsior, in Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip. which was raised seven months later. At her concept mid 1850's, she was chartered by the British Admiralty for service in the Crimean War. When she arrived at Melbourne on March 7th, 1863 she did so under sail only and, worked the western ports of Victoria to Melbourne. Also underwent a few voyages across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand mid 1860's during the height of their 'goldrush' era. Melbourne Steam Ship Company despatched her to Queensland in 1875, (carrying 80 passengers in 2 classes) working her from Sydney to Brisbane and later extending her itinerary further north as far as Maryborough. Under W H Smith's ownership in 1883 she was re-engined and some superficial alterations also made. 1938 sold to The Victorian Lighterage Co., Melbourne, converted into a lighter and renamed Dina. Broken up in Melbourne. Up until 1938 she was the oldest active steamship in Australian coastal service. A scale model almost 2 metres long of the Edina can be viewed at the Melbourne Maritime Immigration Museum, Customs House Flinders St., Melbourne Victoria Australia

PHILLIP ISLAND & WESTERNPORT SHIPPING Co

ECLIPSEc 1888>

ALVINA1887-61>

ECLIPSE First ferry known circa 1888 in service in the area. Note added here as unsure of actual ownerALVINA 194 gross tons. 134 ft. long Single screw steamship built and owned in England as a private luxury iron yacht in 1887. She sailed to Australia in 1903 and from this time became a Pilot vessel for Victorian Government. Purchased by Mr. A. K T. Sambell of Phillip Island and Westernport Shipping co. in 1923. She was one of the most graceful ships ever seen in Australian waters. Popular with holiday makers, especially for her excursion runs to Seal Rocks. She has a cruising speed of 12 knots. A trip around Phillip Island took about 4 hours. For some years motor cars were transported from Stony Point to Cowes by the Alvina, by hoisting them aboard with her cargo winches. She was replaced in 1933 by the Killara, the first vehicular ferry to service Westernport Bay. Finally scrapped 1961

GENISTA1899 to 1935 >

NARRABEEN1921-58>

KILLARA1933 to 1942>

GENISTA No details availableNARRABEEN 239 gross tons, 98 net. Lbd: 110' x 26'8" x 9'2". Wooden auxiliary ketch-rigged steamship, built as the Narrabeen and registered Sydney 1921 for use on Sydney Harbour. Came to Phillip Island & Westernport in and from 1928-32. Owned and registered Melbourne February 1933 by William Holyman & Sons Pty Ltd., and renamed Merilyn. Engaged in the Bass Strait Islands trade until sold to Adelaide interests in May 1948, when converted from a steamer. Sailed from Altona Victoria for Hobart, in fog, ran into rocks at the north-eastern end of Goose Island, Furneaux Group, Bass Strait 24th November 1958. Crew of seven landed safely on Goose Island. The cargo included 18 tons of explosives (gelignite), and as it was considered too dangerous to even attempt to salvage the vessel, she was blown up on 4 December 1958KILLARA the first vehicular ferry to service Westernport Bay

PORTLAND & BELFAST S N Co., Portland Victoria

DAWN1876-1928>

DAWN image courtesy State Library Victoria>

DAWN 522 gross tons, 328 net. Lbd: 164'6" x 24' x 18'4". Iron steamship built by W T Pile & Co., Sunderland England for the Portland & Belfast S N Co., Portland Victoria. Passenger - cargo vessel, compounded engine producing 75 nhp. October 1885 owned by the Belfast & Koroit S N Co., Port Fairy Victoria for their Western ports trade. March 1896 owned by W Howard Smith & Sons Ltd., Melbourne. Sunk in a collision with the steamship Macedon on March 25th 1879 on the Yarra River Melbourne. The hole was 'patched' and she was refloated. repaired and resumed normal duties. Serviced many ports around Australia as the South Australian coast, and the Esperance to Albany mail run and took in Queensland trade routes. Was chartered by the Australasian S N Co from October 1906 on the Queensland coastal run. May 1908 sold to E F Allen of Samoa and of Samoa Shipping Trading Co Ltd 1911. Scuttled 3rd March 1928 off Fiji

WARRNAMBOOL Steam Packet CompanyRegistered Warrnambool Victoriarenamed Company in 1878 becoming known as WESTERN STEAM NAVIGATION Company>

OTWAY 446 tons. Lbd: 180' x 25' x 12'. Built Blackwood & Gordon, Glasgow for the Warnambool Steam Packet Co, Melbourne. May 1878 C V Robinson & Partners, Melbourne. November 1878 Lilly & Marshall, whom together with Anderson, became the Western Australian shipping company. That concern folded selling all to Adelaide Steamship Co in May 1883. Refitted 1883 to 203' x 25'2" x 12' with tonnage 563 gross. 1892 sold to A Jouve & Co, Noumea. June 1897 E F Knoblauch, reg Sydney. October 1897 sold to Illawarra Steam Nav Co. June 1901 sold to North coast S N Co and in August renamed Nymboida. Hulked 1913 and scrapped 1930EDINA 323 gross tons, 239 net. Lbd: 171' x 23'6" x 12'7". Iron steamship, built by Barclay, Curle & Co, Glasgow, for the Leith, Hull & Hamburg Steam Packet Co, Leith. Held 2 cylinder engine = 60hp. 1880 tonnage increased to 380 gross, 223 net. 1882 new engine and boiler, engine being compounded = 85hp. Registered Melbourne March 1863 for S G Henty. October 1863 owned by S & E Henty. March 1868 owned by Warrnambool Steam Packet Co, registered at Warrnambool. She ran the Victorian coastal ports of Warrnambool and Portland to Melbourne. Became better known in the bay trade when, in June 1875 purchased by W H Smith & Partners under the banner of the Melbourne Steam Ship Co, registered Melbourne. Of W Howard Smith & Sons Ltd as at October 1883. Of Howard Smith Ltd July 1901. Of Australia Steamships Ltd December 1913. Since 1875 serviced the Melbourne - Geelong passenger trade up to 1937, gaining enormous popularity owing to her longevity. In 1899, she rammed and sank her rival, the Excelsior, in Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip. which was raised seven months later. At her concept mid 1850's, she was chartered by the British Admiralty for service in the Crimean War. When she arrived at Melbourne on March 7th, 1863 she did so under sail only and, worked the western ports of Victoria to Melbourne. Also underwent a few voyages across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand mid 1860's during the height of their 'goldrush' era. Melbourne Steam Ship Company despatched her to Queensland in 1875, (carrying 80 passengers in 2 classes) working her from Sydney to Brisbane and later extending her itinerary further north as far as Maryborough. Under W H Smith's ownership in 1883 she was re-engined and some superficial alterations also made. 1938 sold to The Victorian Lighterage Co., Melbourne, converted into a lighter and renamed Dina. Broken up in Melbourne 1957NELSON 648 gross tons, 344 net. Lbd: 200' x 25'5" x 19'4'. Iron passenger steamship built at Port Glasgow by Blackwood Gordon & Co., for the Warrnambool Steam Packet Co Ltd., and registered Warrnambool. 1878 acquired by the Western Steam Navigation Co Ltd. June 1890 purchased by Huddart Parker & Co who had intended her for their Bass Strait run. Lost 9 June 1890 on her first crossing when she struck Porpoise Rock in the Tamar River, TasmaniaJULIA PERCY 496 gross tons, 282 net. Lbd: 197' x 24'2" x 13'. Iron steamship built by T Wingate & Co., Glasgow as the Julia Percy for the partnership of C V Robinson, J Lilly and J Marshall, Melbourne. January 1877 of the Warrnambool Steam Navigation Co., Warrnambool which later reformed as the Western S N Co., Melbourne Victoria. Worked the western Victorian seaports as a passenger - cargo vessel until the railway opened up in stiff competition and she was sold to Howard Smith & Sons Ltd., Melbourne in October 1886. Reputedly lengthened in 1877 to be of 580 gross tons, 335 net and Lbd: 219' x 24'2" x 13'. She worked the Queensland service until sold in June 1903 to G T Bell who placed her on the Western Australian service on that state's official mail run as contracted to that owner. May 25th 1905 she struck the jetty piles and sunk at Dongarra, Western Australia. Raised and sent to Fremantle for repairs she was soon after sold in 1906 to the Melbourne Steamship Co Ltd., Melbourne who then renamed her Leeuwin. They gained the Western Australian Government's passenger & mail contract to the port of Eucla and placed her on that service for the duration. Later placed upon the Eden (New South Wales) - Melbourne - Tasmanian ports run only to be found economically unviable, and she was hulked in 1910. Demolished 1934

Thorpe , Locke & McMullen, Melbourne>

Raleigh, Locke, Thorpe & Co, Melbourne>

Andrew Lyall of Melbourne>

R Wendelstadt of Melbourne>

Western District Timber Co Pty Ltd of Geelong>

GEELONG1854-79>

VICTORIA1851-64>

ARGYLE1873-81>

MANCHESTER1851-56+>

HILLMEADS1907-57>

HILLMEADS image courtesy Graeme Andrews>

GEELONG 172 gross tons, 108 net. Lb: 129'5" x 17'5". Iron paddle steamer built 1854 by T Wingate & Company Glasgow. Compounded 2 cylinder diagonal = 90nhp. Owner History: Thomas Thorpe, W Locke & W McMullen, Melbourne. 1856 T Norton. December 1856 owned or more likely managed by G W Cole as records state as owned by Australasian S N Co., Australia between 1856 and 1859. Sold 1859 to E B Cargill, Dunedin New Zealand. 1859 John Jones & others (Southern Steam Nav Co). 1874 Donald Sinclair. 1877 G W Binney, Auckland. Wrecked 10th March 1879 on the inner bank of the south west entrance to Whangape Harbour New Zealand (2 lost). (Sources Clydebuilt and N L McKellar in his book 'Derby round to Burketown'). Not to be confused with Howard Smith's steamer of the same name, same eraVICTORIA 107gross tons, 69 net. Lbd: 123'6" x 15'5". Paddle Steamer. Built by T Wingate & Company Glasgow. Propulsion: steam 2 cylinder 60 hp paddle. In 1861 lengthened 132 goss tons. Lbd: 154'2" x 16'3". Owners - J McLean, Greenock. Raleigh, Locke, Thorpe & Co, Melbourne. 1853 Sydney & Melbourne Steam Packet Co, Sydney. 1856 Edye Manning and finally in 1863 Japanese Government, being renamed Nagasaki Maru No 1. Sunk off Wachijojima, Japan 1864ARGYLE 218 gross tons, 139 net. Lbd: 130'6" x 20'2" x 10'. Iron steamship built by J Fullerton & Co., Paisley as a passenger/cargo vessel. Compounded engine porducing 40 horsepower. Records of ownership obscure however the press of the day stated this vessel was ordered for Cummings, Henry & Co., River Don Tasmania. The official register states a Mr Andrew Lyall of Melbourne as first registered owner. If the press of the day were correct, then she worked the north west coast of Tasmania to Melbourne. Records show she definitely serviced the trade between Melbourne and Port Adelaide, including minor ports within. Considered too small a vessel she was sold in July 1880 to Nipper and See, of the Northern New South Wales notoriety and placed upon the Sydney - northern rivers services. June 25th 1881 she foundered in the Clarence River, New South Wales and subsequentially sold as a wreckMANCHESTER 271 gross tons, 157 net. Lbd: 139'8" x 19'6" x 11'7". Wooden paddle steamser built at Aberdeen Scotland for R Gardner of Launceston Tasmania with ship's registry at Liverpool, England. Held a 2 cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower. Arrived Melbourne August 1853 reputedly able to carry 118 passengers in two classes and of great speed. Purchased that month and year by W A Gardner, and registered at Launceston. Serviced the Bass Strait trade, taking in Portland Victoria. Attempted to ply the Moreton Bay trade from April 1854 without financial succes and soon withdrawn from the Queensland service. Intention to form a shipping Company with Portland, Melbourne and Tasmania as the key ports of call was mooted during 1854-55 via some connection amongst W A Gardner and R Wendelstadt of Melbourne, who owned the vessel as from 1855. The proposed company didn't eventuate and the vessel was sold to interests based at Calcutta India in April 1956. No further trace of this ship since knownHILLMEADS 206 gross tons, 84 net. Lbd:126'4" x 27'5" x 9'2". Wooden twin screw steamship 2 compounded engines producing 28 nhp. Built as a passenger-cargo vessel by E Pritchard at Jervis Bay New South Wales for the Numba Steam Shipping Co Ltd. Worked the trade from Sydney to Moruya, Bawleys Head and and Batemans Bay carrying passengers and timber. Sold 15th October 1908, Ship and Company for 4,500 pounds to the Illawarra & South Coast S N Co., Sydney. 1916 sold to Launceston Tasmania interests (possibly New Zealand owners who registered her at Launceston) and finally of the Western District Timber Co Pty Ltd of Geelong. Scuttled July 18th 1937 off Port Phillip Heads, Victoria although another reliable source claims she was still in active service out of Tasmania effective 1956. Possibly scuttled July 18th 1957

ROWITTA1909->

SORRENTONew Norfolk 1956>

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SORRENTO postcards personal collection>

SORRENTO Built by Purdon & Featherstone, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania, originally as the Rowitta in 1909. Length, 103ft. 5in. Breadth, 20ft. 5in. Depth, 7ft. 7in. 121 gross tons. After conversion renamed Sorrento. Later renamed Tarkarri, and then Speculant. Little else known except currently preserved as an exhibit at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum at Warrnambool, Victoria

A J ELLERKER, Melbourne>

A G McCombe, MelbourneJoseph Lukey, Melbourne>

GLENELG1875-1900>

QUEENSCLIFFE1876-1901+>

ARGYLE1876-1915>

WHITE SWAN1854-62>

GLENELG image (a23991) courtesy State Library Victoria>

GLENELG 218 gross tons, 558 net. Lbd: 135'8" x 21'1" x 11'3". Iron twin screw steamship built by Aitken & Mansel, Glasgow for Thomas Elder & Robert B Smith, registered Port Adelaide. Twin compounded engines producing 80 horsepower. Held distinction of being the first 'southbound' ship to pass through the new Suez Canal on May 24th, 1875. Designed more as a tug - passenger tender vessel with cargo capacity, she worked out of Port Adelaide. Later worked the St Vincents Gulf. 1880 tonnage adjusted to read 210 gross and 76 net. Sold July 1881 to William Wells. Sold April 1882 to Thomas Hesselton, Sydney under whom she made a run to New Zealand for a cargo of salvaged railway equipment. Sold July 1882 to the Port Jackson Steamship Co Ltd., Sydney and employed as a Manly ferry. From January until end of March she was chartered to W Collins, Brisbane and placed upon the Brisbane - Bundaberg run. November 1891 sold to E T Miles & Partners, Hobart and placed upon the Hobart - Strahan run, at times extending from Stahan to Melbourne. At some stage she was sold to T A Reynolds or Reynolds was the active 'signature' partner of E T Miles when sold September 1896 to the Union SS Co, New Zealand, along with with T A Reynolds, Hobart fleet. Continued her Tasmanian services under her new owners until 1898 when sold to A Ellerker, Melbourne. Here she was placed upon the Gippsland Lakes service - Melbourne. March 25th 1900 foundered and sank in Bass Strait, approximately 40 miles west of Lakes Entrance, Victoria en route for Melbourne. A loss of 31 souls, including all passengers, with only three survivorsQUEENSCLIFFE To be updated ARGYLE 159 gross tons, 125 net. Lbd: 114'3" x 20' x 7'3". Wooden steamship built by H McQuarrie & J McCallum, Mechanics Bay Auckland New Zealand for A McGregor of Auckland. 3 masted schooner rigged vessel that held a compounded engine producing 45 horsepower. First owner went on to create the 'Northern Steamship Co Ltd' in 1881. Listed as a passenger-cargo vessel. Sold 1897 to A J Ellerker, Melbourne who placed her on the Gippsland Lakes service. Sold July 1898 to A W Sandford, Port Adelaide who placed her on the South-east service of South Australia. Sold 1900 to H Weir & Partners who were associated with the West Coast Shipping Co Ltd of South Australia circa 1906. Employed on the South Australian West coast until demolished by March 1915 at Port AdelaideWHITE SWAN 322 gross tons, 198 net. Lbd: 145'4" x 22'1" x 13'2". Iron steamship of 2 cylinders direct acting and built as a passenger - cargo vessel by William Simmond & Co., Whiteinch for unknown owners. As at February 1861 owned by A G McCombe (Melbourne). August 1861 owned by Joseph Lukey (Melbourne). McMeckan, Blackwood & Co., managed this vessel for passenger services between Melbourne and Adelaide up to at least April 1858 when she was transferred to the trans-tasman run. Captain McLean held helm when she was engaged in a mail service between Auckland and Wellington. Wrecked off Flat Point, New Zealand, 28th June 1862

JULIA PERCY 496 gross tons, 282 net. Lbd: 197' x 24'2" x 13'. Iron steamship built by T Wingate & Co., Glasgow as the Julia Percyfor the partnetship of C V Robinson, J Lilly and J Marshall, Melbourne. January 1877 of the Warrnambool Steam Navigation Co., Warrnambool which later reformed as the Western S N Co., Melbourne Victoria. Worked the western Victorian seaports as a passenger - cargo vessel until the railway opened up in stiff competition and she was sold to Howard Smith & Sons Ltd., Melbourne in October 1886. Reputedly lengthened in 1877 to be of 580 gross tons, 335 net and Lbd: 219' x 24'2" x 13'. She worked the Queensland service until sold in June 1903 to G T Bell who placed her on the Western Australian service on that state's official mail run as contracted to that owner. May 25th 1905 she struck the jetty piles and sunk at Dongarra, Western Australia. Raised and sent to Fremantle for repairs she was soon after sold in 1906 to the Melbourne Steamship Co Ltd., Melbourne who then renamed her Leeuwin. They gained the Western Australian Government's passenger & mail contract to the port of Eucla and placed her on that service for the duration. Later placed upon the Eden (New South Wales) - Melbourne - Tasmanian ports run only to be found economically unviable, and she was hulked in 1910. Demolished 1934MUSGRAVE 904 gross tons, 467 net. Lbd: 211'1" x 30'2" x 15'4". Built by J Reid & Co Port Glasgow as the Fiona for Colonial Sugar Refining Co., Sydney New South Wales. Sold 1908 W Collins & Sons Ltd, Brisbane and renamed Musgrave. March 1910 owned by Musgrave Steamship Co Ltd., a subsidiary of W Collins & Sons Ltd. Worked the Gulf of Carpentaria on a mail service as chartered by AUSN Co. 1920 sold to George T Bell, Melbourne. 1923 owned by William. J. Gibson, Melbourne. 1930 R. Kennedy & Sons Pty., Melbourne. Scrapped - 1930 hull reported scuttled in Storm Bay, near LeuraWAR SPRAY 3,121 gross tons. Lb: 331' x 46'8". Single screw. Triple expansion engine. 11.5 knots. Built by R Thompson & Sons Ltd, Bridge Dockyard, Sunderland as War Spray for the British Shipping Controller. Completed June 1918. Shipping Controller, managers G.B.Harland & Co. 1919 owned by R W J Sutherland & Co, Cardiff. 1920 owned by General Maritime Trust Ltd, London. 1922 owned by James Bell & Co, Melbourne. 1925 owned/transferred to Bell Steamships Ltd, Melbourne. 1929 owned by H C Sleigh, Melbourne. 1929 owned by Hamane Shoten KK, Tarumi, Japan and renamed Tamahine Maru. 5th June 1944 torpedoed and sunk by USS SHARK at 18.40N 140.35E

A CAIRNS & Partners, Melbourne>

Peter Le Page, Melbourne>

George Adams (Later of Tattersall fame)>

FETTERCAIRN1851-55+>

ANT1854-66>

GOVERNOR BLACKALL1871-1910>

FETTERCAIRN 210 gross tons, 195 net. Lbd: 114'4" x 22'1" x 14'1". Wooden steamship built by Calman & Martin, Dundee Scotland for unknown owners registered at Dundee. February 1853 made her first appearance at Geelong, Victoria and purchased by A Cairns & Partners, Melbourne. An auxilliary steamer with a good reputation of speed under sail, she also held a 30 horsepower engine. Worked out of Melbourne to various ports of Victoria, Port Albert included as a passenger/cargo vessel. May 1854 (officially) sold to R Mailler & Partners, Sydney, having already twice journeyed from Sydney to Brisbane, her last trip being in March 1854. Since, spent idle time laid up and probably sold soon after where records state her leaving for Manilla in June 1855. No further detailsANT 121 gross tons, 82 net. 1856 -149 gross tons, 87 net and 1865 -161 gross tons, 87 net with recorded Lbd: 100'8" x 17'8" x 9'2" being the only measurements recorded. Iron single screw steamship, two masts. built by Scott & Co., Scotland. Engines: 30 horsepower, 2 cylinder inverted. Designed to carry a limited number of passengers. Owners: 1854 - Samuel Martin & Others, Belfast. April 1955 arrived Australia, Port Phillip Victoria reputedly as the first ship to sail direct from Ireland to Port Phillip. Owners intention was sale or service and in February (or thereabouts) Worked the Hobart - Launceston trade until 1856 sold to T. Thompson, Hobart. Placed upon various Tasmanian east coast ports until owner went bankrupt in September 1856 and eventually sold in May 1857 to Peter Le Page, Melbourne. October 1857 sold to George Ormerod, & Co. Guichen Bay, (South Australia) and traded the south-east coast of that state to Port Adelaide. February 1864 owned by J Fowler. July 1865 owned by Gippsland Steam Navigation Co. Wrecked 12 July 1866, in heavy fog on a rock three miles west by north of Barwon Heads when inbound from Tasmania. Captain found as negligent in placing reliance on defective compasses (source: Victorian Heritage Register )GOVERNOR BLACKALL 487 gross tons. Lbd: 194'4" x 23'8" x 15'6". Iron steamship, 2 masts schooner rigged built by Mort's Dock & Engineering Co., Balmain Sydney. Originally ordered by the Queensland Government, however contract cancelled and purchased in 1872 by ASN Co. 1887 of AUSN Co. Sold June 1888 to North Illawarra Coal Mining Co. September 1890 owned by Moore & Austin. December 1896 G Adams who used this vessel to sail outside the three mile limit in order to conduct, legally, his lottery. December 1898 W J Featherstone. Hulked Sydney December 1910 and scuttled 16th July 1931 off Sydney Heads

Victoria S N Co, Melbourne as owned by Broadfoot, Bonnar & Co>

H Glass, Melbourne>

GIPSY1842-56>

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MARION1854-62>

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GIPSY image personal collection>

GIPSY 75 gross tons, 43 burthen. Lbd: 80'4" x 15'7" x 8'4". Wooden paddle steamship built by Chowne, Thompson & Chowne at Pyrmont, Sydney for the Tamar S N Co., Launceston. Held a 35 horsepower engine taken from the paddle steamer Maitland and installed by William Bourne, Sydney. Designed as a passenger tender and tug for use upon the Tamar River, Tasmania, even carrying passengers from Sydney to Launceston on her maiden voyage. 1847 owned by F A Ducroz, unknown registration. March 1852 owned by Gilmore & Henty, Melbourne. 1853 owned by the Victoria S N Co, Melbourne as owned by Broadfoot, Bonnar & Co. Used upon Hobsons Bay to Queens Wharf, Melbourne as a passenger/cargo tender until sold in September 1855 to J C Williamson, Sydney. Here then she was used as a passenger/cargo vessel servicing the Sydney - Manning River trade. 24th April 1856 wrecked on the Manning River bar. Note: sometimes known as 'Gipsey' and "Gipsay"MARION 177 gross tons, 133 net. Lbd: 114'2" x 19'6" x 10'0". Built at Whiteinch, Glasgow as an Iron passenger steamship for Messers Rae, Kerr & others all of Hobart Tasmania. At the time she held a 2 cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower and remained under London registry. Employed on the Hobart - Melbourne trade, gaining little popularity and was sold June 1857 to H Glass, Melbourne and there registered. Her dimensions were altered as 197 gross tons and 124 net. Placed upon the Warrnambool-Port Fairy service until sold in October 1857 to the South Australian syndicate of Joseph Stilling, J R H Ward, Joseph Darwent and unknown others, registered Port Adelaide. Here she became the first 'regular' passenger steamship to ply the Port Adelaide - Port Lincoln - Port Augusta route. July 11th 1862 wrecked at Marion Bay, Southern Yorke peninsular, South Australia. Note : that bay was named after another vessel, an immigrant ship of the same name that also foundered, saw it's passengers land ashore at that bay

MAID OF THE YARRA 116 gross tons, 82 net. Lbd: 100'4" x 18'0" x 9'0". Iron steamship built by J Robson at Blackwall in County Durham England for unknown owners who employed her as a self powered 'lighter' of 20 horsepower, on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne. Soon sold in February 1855 to W Brown Jnr., Launceston, Tasmania and fitted with passenger accomodation. Employed on the Melbourne - Launceston service as well as some localised work along the Tamar River. Sold September 1857 to W H Smith & Partners, Melbourne and worked a variety of routes including the Port Albert, Victoria trade. October 1859 sold to Fowler & Partners, Melbourne who kept her on the Port Albert trade as well as occassional runs to the Gippsland Lakes. Short service saw her sold December same year, 1859 to Joseph Darwent, Port Adelaide where she was employed on the South Australian Gulfs' routes of Port Elliot and Wallaroo. Sold July 1862 to unknown owners in New Zealand and wrecked March 1865 at Hokitika, New ZealandANT 121 gross tons, 82 net. 1856 149 gross tons, 87net and 1865 161 gross tons, 87 net with recorded Lbd: 100'8" x 17'8" x 9'2" being the only measurements recorded. Iron single screw steamship, two masts. built Scott & Co Scotland. Engines: 30 horsepower., 2 cylinder inverted. Designed to carry a limited number of passengers. Owners: 1854 - Samuel Martin & Others, Belfast. April 1955 arrived Australia, Port Phillip Victoria reputedly as the first ship to sail direct from Ireland to Port Phillip. Owners intention was sale or service and in February (or thereabouts) Worked the Hobart - Launceston trade until 1856 sold to T. Thompson, Hobart. Placed upon various Tasmanian east coast ports until owner went bankrupt in September 1856 and eventually sold in May 1857 to Peter Le Page, Melbourne. October 1857 sold to George Ormerod, & Co. Guichen Bay, (South Australia) and traded the south-east coast of that state to Port Adelaide. February 1864 owned by J Fowler. July 1865 owned by Gippsland Steam Navigation Co. Wrecked 12 July 1866, in heavy fog on a rock three miles west by north of Barwon Heads when inbound from Tasmania. Captain found as negligent in placing reliance on defective compasses (source: Victorian Heritage Register )

OTWAY 446 gross tons, 271 net. Lbd: 180' x 25' x 12'. Iron steamship of 93 horsepower, 2 masts as built Blackwood & Gordon, Glasgow for the Warrnambool Steam Packet Co, Melbourne. Designed as a passenger vessel for their Melbourne - Western Districts of Victoria run, carrying the name Otway. May 1878 C V Robinson & Partners, Melbourne. November 1878 Lilly & Marshall, whom together with Anderson, became the Western Australian Shipping Company. That concern folded selling all to Adelaide Steamship Co in May 1883. Refitted 1883 to 203' x 25'2" x 12' with tonnage 563 gross. 1892 sold to A Jouve & Co, Noumea. June 1897 E F Knoblauch, reg Sydney. October 1897 sold to Illawarra S N Co Ltd., Sydney and employed as cargo only vessel. June 1901 sold to North coast S N Co and in August renamed Nymbodia. Hulked 1913 and scrapped 1930HELEN MACGREGOR 168 gross tons, 115 net. Lbd: 123'7" x 20' x 9'3'. Iron steamship rigged as a two masted schooner with passenger capacity of 28. Capable of 40 horsepower. Built by T Wingate & Co., Whiteinch Glasgow for C V Robinson, registered Melbourne. Designed for the Bass Strait trade Launceston - Melbourne. May 1867 acquired by Clarence & New England S N Co. September 1867 lengthened to be 152'6" x 20'6" x 9'1" at 251 gross tons. T Fisher listed as owner from October 1867 until Clarence & New England S N Co took ownership again in September 1873. 12th March 1875 wrecked on the Clarence River bar with a loss of 8 soulsGAZELLE 79 gross tons, 47 net. Lbd: 82' x 15'2" x 7'8". Iron steamship built by John Horn, Waterford England in 1852 and rebuilt by Anderson & Grubbs at Lytellton new Zealand during 1867. From the onset she was owned by A G Robinson of Melbourne although registered in London. In 1854 she was employed as a ferry so to speak operating between Williamstown and Melbourne, no great distance in any locals' eyes. (Especially mine). Also owned during that year of 1854 since A G Robinson by F E Liardet under whom the ferry service most likely took effect. A street in Melbourne carries the Liardet surname. 1856 saw ownership of M L Goodwin, registered Launceston Tasmania. He employed her on the passenger trade between Launceston and Georgetown until 1860 when sold to J Lilly and C V Robinson, both of the Western districts of Victoria. Likely serviced the coastal ports south- west of Victoria to Melbourne, as was their domain until September 1861 when sold to J T Cockshott, Melbourne. From February 1862 until April 1879 she worked the New Zealand coastal trade under unknown New Zealand ownership. During that time she was rebuilt as per above. April 1879 owned by R Bright, of Melbourne and so registered there. One month later owned by W J Wischer and in March 1884 owned by H F Walker. Spending her last ten years plying the coast of Victoria under the ownership of the last three mentioned, she eventually sank at Apollo Bay Victoria on 25th February 1888ROB ROY 309 gross tons, 200 net. Lbd: 148'2" X 21'5" X 15'1". Iron steamship built by Thomas Wingate & Co, Whiteinch for C V Robinson, Launceston Tasmania and J Lilley of Melbourne with the ship being registered at Melbourne. 2 cylinder engine producing 50hp. Service speed of 9 knots. Passenger capacity of 60 in two classes. November 1872 refitted becoming 168' x 21'5" x 15'1" with tonnage being 393 gross and 267 net. Serviced the Melbourne - Launceston trade until (unknown date) she was placed upon the Western districts of Victoria trade in a lively arena of competition. By 1877 the western Steam Navigation Company held sway over all other competitiors and this vessel changed over to the Western Australian coastal services. By November 1878 J Lilley & Marshall were the registered owners. Stranded at Cossack, Western Australia. February 1882 registration cancelled, towed to Melbourne for repairs. Re-registered Melbourne for Lilley & Marshall September 1882 until sold to Adelaide Steamship Co May 1883. Under this ownership, she saw service upon the Western Australia coast as well as upon the South Australia gulf region and at times along the Queensland coast. Passenger capacity varied, up to 100 according to records. Hulked 1901, isolated at Melbourne until fully scrapped 1910

EUMERALLA 906 gross tons, 489 net. Lbd: 190' x 30'1" x 12'5". Steel steamship built by Scott of Kinghorn Ltd, Kinghorn for the Western District Steam Ship Co Ltd., Melbourne. This concern may have been a subsidiary of Howard Smith Ltd, at least held some connection. Powered by a triple expansion engine producing 97 horsepower and of 2 single ended boilers, coal fired. Employed on the Western districts of Victora - Melbourne in passenger-cargo capacity. World War 1 disrupted trade and she spent much time 'liad up'. 1920 owned by Australian Steamships Pty Ltd (Howard Smith). 1928 again laid up, 1934 sold to Young & Co., Sydney who probably acted as agents for Asian interests when she was renamed Mow Li No. 2 in 1934-5. Under this name she sunk at Tinghai on the 12th July 1935

VICTORIA & TASMANIA Steam Navigation Co., Melbourne>

G A Carpenter, Melbourne>

TASMANIA1852-56+>

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ETHEL JACKSON1876-1913>

WYRALLAH1887-1924>

WYRALLAH image (b38415) courtesy State Library Victoria>

TASMANIA 452 gross tons: 167'7" x 24' x 17'2". Wooden steamship built by B Lapham at Medford Massachusetts, USA for unknown owners registered at Boston and named the Rajah Wallie. Held a 250 ihp engine. Arrived Australian shores from Batavia upon the advent of knowledge of the goldrushes and has the distinction of being the first American owned steamship to arrive at Port Phillip Victoria and since, becoming the first regular steamer between Melbourne and Hobart. She was purchased April 1853 by this concern for that trade as a passenger vessel of 'elegent accomodation'. She became known as 'the wooden Tasmania' to differentiate her from iron hulled vessel owned by the Tasmanian S N Co., Hobart bearing the same name and operating in the same era. Sold October 1854 to Roops & Brown, Hobart. Constant problems with her machinery caused her a poor competitor in the trade and, in 1856 was despatched overseas for sale and sold to London based purchasers. Fate since unknownETHEL JACKSON 115 gross tons. Paddle steamer, 1897 purchased by W H Smith Ltd, Melbourne. 1905 sold to Scott & Young of Melbourne. 1913 converted to hulk at Townsville, 1914 re-purchased, 1918 scrappedWYRALLAH (1) 302 gross tons, 205 net. Lbd: 140' x 22'3" x 13'2". Iron twin screw steamship built at Mort's Dock & Engineering Co., Balmain Sydney for Bruce B Nicoll, registered Sydney. Twin compounded engines producing 45 horsepower as coal fired. Passenger cargo status. October 1891 acquired by North Coast S N Co for use along their New South Wales northern rivers trade. Sold April 1900 to G A Carpenter of Melbourne. September 1900 acquired by Gippsland Steamers Pty Ltd. In her career she was chartered out to (probably) the AUSN Co running the mail service between Albany and Esperance on the West coast and later the mainland to Noumea, New Caledonia on one occassion. Under Gippsland steamers she met her demise when sunk in a collision with the Dilkera during a squall off Point Nepean Victoria